Understanding how the brain controls breathing

Neural Control of Breathing

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11032811

This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help control our breathing, especially when things go wrong, and it aims to help people with breathing problems like sleep apnea or other related conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032811 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms that regulate breathing patterns, focusing on specific brainstem areas crucial for generating normal respiratory rhythms. By conducting a series of experiments in both living and laboratory settings using rodents, the study aims to uncover how disruptions in these mechanisms can lead to serious breathing disorders. The findings could provide insights into conditions such as sleep apnea and neurodegenerative diseases that affect breathing. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of respiratory control in both healthy and pathological states.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from sleep apnea, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, or neurodegenerative diseases that impact breathing.

Not a fit: Patients with breathing disorders unrelated to neural control, such as those caused solely by structural abnormalities, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for breathing disorders and improve the quality of life for patients with conditions like sleep apnea and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neural control of breathing, but this study aims to explore novel aspects that have not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.